Art Is All Around Us...Find Your Inspiration Right at Home!

Anyone with children knows that the special watercolor or crayola artwork they bring home from school can be quite entertaining and totally whimsical. My two little Picassos were very prolific, especially in elementary school, and there were a few special pieces that I just had to frame, not only for my enjoyment, but secretly I hoped to also inspire my kids by highlighting their work. No ordinary frame would do, however. My goal was to make the artwork shine, yet more importantly, convey to my little artists just how talented they were. Now with my kids in high school, their handiwork still graces the walls in my entry, study and gameroom. I will cherish these masterpieces forever...

This Hide is Worth Displaying!!!

I have to send a big 'THANKS' to ZGallerie for giving us eco-gals an alternative to the very stylish, cowhide rug. No animals were harmed in the making of this great reproduction. This 5x7 version sells for $189.00, much less than the real thing.

Furniture with Panache

These pieces are so 'OFF the WALL' that I just had to share. It just confirms that creativity has no limits. Enjoy!!

CHAIR AFFAIR...When You Can't Afford or Don't Want the REAL Thing...FAKE It!!

This Louis XV-style chair went from 'plain Jane' to 'fur-a-licious' in a matter of a few hours with the help of a tattered 1960's faux fur jacket and a staple gun. Yes, believe it or not, I now have my very own faux fur chair and ottoman. It's funky and not for everyone, but I'm in love and I can't help it!!!

Refurbished Finds

 

Refurbished Finds

A Touch of Fancy...Just Another Way to Express Yourself

Need I say more? These chairs are insanely fabulous!!! To mimic these looks on the cheap, try several options. 1. Purchase a few yards of burlap, duck or a muslin-type fabric. Locate an embroidery store (or check your local JoAnns or Hancock for individual seamstresses) and have your initials applied. Begin with a simple chair and cover the back of the chair with the letters; 2. Search on Ebay or a feed store for burlap feed sacks; or 3. Use fabric paint and a decorative stencil to make your own design. (I will post my latest stenciling project tomorrow!!!)

Putting Your Mark on Everything You Love...Why Monograms Are Hot!

This chair once lived in a southwest-theme home. Bless its heart! Yes, it was ugly, but I could see beyond its outer appearance and decided I just had to take it home! I transformed it into a conversation piece...a one-of-a-kind chair that proudly displays my namesake.

Roughing It Up...Bringing Furniture Down to its Bare Bones

I love old furniture...imperfections and all.

I remember how my father spent years building a long, rustic dining table that would accommodate our family of six.

Now, 30 years later, the piece is as solid as ever. It has definitely seen better days, but the table itself has never looked better.

That's because the old piece has a history...after all, memories were made at that table and I know that I will cherish it the rest of my years.

Perhaps that's why I'm drawn to old, distressed furniture.

If WALLS Could Talk...What Would Yours Say?

Stuffy...Much Too Formal Duncan Phyfe Sofa Gets a FaceLift Some people might say that I compromised the integrity of this old Duncan Phyfe sofa when I took it from formal to CHIC and CASUAL. The dark wood received a few layers of light paint and a wood applique was applied to give it a danish feel. A padded cushion was also added to give the piece more oomph!!

Branching Out

Stick 'em in tall vases, urns...anywhere really. I'm talking branches, tree limbs, or any other natural twig you can gather. The possibilities are endless as to the drama you can create. Use your imagination. I've seen them painted white, black, coral and turquoise. The statement you create is up to you!

Pink...The new Black!

Black and white are my favorite colors, but are they really colors? Not if you want your room to POP. I added a few pink items -- flowers and pillows -- and now my room says HELLO SPRING!!! You don't have to choose PINK. Basically, any vibrant color will do. Don't have the cash to buy new pillows? Try adding a piece of colorful jewelry to a piece or wrap a colorful ribbon around a plain pillow. How's that for quick inspiration?! Have fun. Until next time, jeanie

Repurposing Old Furniture...Giving It NEW LIFE!

This dresser sat in a resale shop for several weeks feeling neglected and unloved. During my first visit, I could see its great bones and sturdy construction. The price tag was a mere $22.00, but I talked myself out of buying it and walked away. When I returned a week later, to my surprise, the wonderful old piece was still there, so I snatched it up at an even cheaper price -- $18.

I began refinishing the dresser that afternoon, and within a few days I had given new life to the lackluster piece of furniture.

Now it resides in my foyer and it reminds me of the importance of seeing the best in everything. Every little thing, no matter how beaten or worn down, has potential. We just need to provide the opportunity and inspiration to make it happen!